Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
August 5, 2016

Fortune Port Corporation Gets Ready for Increase in Tourism Traffic

New Plan will Address Downtown Congestion and Capitalize on Tourism and Business Opportunities

The Fortune Port Corporation is working on a Downtown Development Plan that will better prepare the Town of Fortune for an increase in traffic when year-round ferry service to the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon is in place.

While in Fortune today, the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Bonavista - Burin - Trinity, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced an investment of $29,363 from ACOA's Business Development Program. Colin Holloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, also announced a contribution of $33,750 towards the development of the plan.

The Fortune Port Corporation operates the only designated port of call for vessel traffic between St. Pierre and Miquelon and Newfoundland and Labrador, which has resulted in steady annual ferry passenger traffic. Led by representatives from the Fortune Port Corporation, the Town of Fortune, Fortune Harbour Authority and Fortune Head Eco Friends, the Downtown Development Plan will address current and future challenges resulting from traffic congestion near the port and downtown area of Fortune. It will also help the region to capitalize on tourism and economic development opportunities for local businesses when visitor traffic from St. Pierre and Miquelon increases.

This project builds on the Government of Canada's commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through tourism, as announced in July 2016 in Prince Edward Island as part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy.

Today, Minister Foote also announced that of the $26.9 million Small Craft Harbour 2016-17 budget allocated for Newfoundland and Labrador, 16 harbours in the riding of the Bonavista - Burin - Trinity will receive funding. This includes an investment for wharf reconstruction in Fortune.

In addition, the Federal Government has allocated $70 million under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to go towards 142 water, wastewater and public transit projects in more than 100 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. This money is being provided for projects for immediate use. Under this fund the Town of Fortune is receiving $258,346 to replace water and sewer lines and pavement.

Quotes:

"The Government of Canada believes that public investment that supports regions such as the Burin Peninsula helps create sustainable growth, economic opportunity and prosperity in Canada. Our investment in this project will help the Fortune Port Corporation and its partners to put a plan in place for the region to better respond to visitor needs and enable local businesses to benefit from economic opportunities."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

"With its links to St. Pierre and Miquelon, Fortune plays an important role in developing tourism experiences and supporting economic development for businesses on the Burin Peninsula. The Government of Canada understands the value of partnership and co-operation, and continues to work collaboratively with other levels of government and partners, like the Fortune Port Corporation, to grow our economy and develop key industries in the region."
- The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and MP for Bonavista - Burin - Trinity

"The Provincial Government is committed to building diverse and sustainable communities by providing economic opportunities to businesses like the Fortune Port Corporation who are working to expand tourism opportunities and build stronger community connections. With the addition of two new ferries from St. Pierre and Miquelon, the Port has identified the opportunity to plan for additional passenger and freight activities. This initiative will improve the tourism experience as well as provide an opportunity to promote regional events, activities and amenities."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, provincial Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

"Fortune's proximity to the French territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon offer visitors to the region a unique opportunity to travel across international borders for a rewarding cultural experience. With ferry service between the French islands and Fortune increasing to a year-round schedule, there is a tremendous opportunity to expand the tourism and hospitality industries in the region. As the MHA for Burin - Grand Bank, I am very pleased to see this investment, which will go a long way toward strengthening the economic sustainability of Fortune."
- Carol Ann Haley, MHA for Burin-Grand Bank

"With plans underway for the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon to offer new and increased services to our port in the future, we recognized that we would have new challenges and opportunities to address. We thank the Government of Canada and the provincial government for their support in helping us to engage the expertise we need to make recommendations on finding solutions, while also capitalizing on the new opportunities that will become available through increased visitation to our community."
- Earl Rose, President, Fortune Port Corporation

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca	Paul McGrath Director, Communications ACOA NL 709-772-2984 paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Earl Rose President Fortune Port Corporation 709-832-1650 fortuneharbour@hotmail.com

2016 08 05